The Bookish Southern Belle with a Penchant for the Eclectic

Reid Cox is the embodiment of eclectic charm and fearless exploration in the realms of creativity and acting performance. 

Born in the lush landscapes of Greenville, South Carolina, Cox carries the warmth of Southern hospitality in her veins. But it's her audacious spirit that has her splitting time between the pulsing streets of Los Angeles and the cultural mosaic of Austin.

A connoisseur of the dramatic arts, her journey from the historic theaters of New York to the spotlight of Hollywood is a testament to her relentless pursuit of artistic truth. 

Cox, a writer and actress par excellence, delves into the psyche of the characters she portrays, often juxtaposing her innate sweetness with the complex, edgy roles that have become her hallmark. Whether it’s a comedy that tickles the funny bone or a drama that wrenches the heart, her versatility knows no bounds. 

Beyond the camera's embrace, Cox's passion for the written word is fervent. Her writings - a kaleidoscope of self-improvement, the art of pushing boundaries, and blueprints for living audaciously - mirror the very essence of her being. 

She's not just acting the parts; she's living the stories, exploring the depths of human potential through her essays and scripts.

As a producer, her vision is crystal clear: to craft narratives that not only entertain but resonate. “I BLAME MONTY HALL,” which she both starred in and produced, is a shining example of her dedication to stories that stir the soul and challenge the status quo. 

With every role she embodies, every word she pens, Reid Cox is not just performing; she's invoking a call to live bravely, boundlessly, and beautifully.

As someone who grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, has made a significant impact in TV and film, and is now embracing kundalini yoga, could you share how this journey has influenced your reading habits, particularly towards books related to kundalini and its philosophy? 

Yoga and meditation has always been a part of my life. I remember as a kid, I’d go visit my aunt in Asheville, NC for the weekend and she would always take me to her yoga classes. So it became a part of my life from a very young age. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I, like so many other people, was searching for hobbies and most of all, meaning. I had been to a handful of Kundalini classes before, but when I came across an online course centered around Kundalini Yoga and Meditation in April of 2020, my life was completely transformed. 

Kundalini is a form of yoga which involves chanting, breath work, and different poses, but also comes along with a set of ancient teachings designed to help you tap into your power and live a full life. I was so eager to learn all I could that most of the books I read in 2020 were about Kundalini Yoga or some for a self-transformation through meditation. 

I did my teacher training in 2021, and during those four months, all I read were books about Kundalini. However, it’s important to remember that Kundalini is something you experience by DOING, not just reading about. 

If we were on a search and rescue mission to locate you in a bookstore,  what sections would it make sense for us to first look?  

The Self-Improvement, Business, or Entertainment section. I’m definitely a Self-help book addict so I would say that section first. I love books on business and creativity as well. I feel that in order to be good at business you have to be creative. And to be a successful creative you have to be good at business. 

You would most likely find me sitting on the floor! As a teenager, after school I would head straight to the local book store. I’d grab at least five books, sit on the floor, and start skimming through each of them. 

I still do a similar version of this every morning when I sit on the floor by our big floor-to-ceiling window at home with my cup of coffee, journals, and a few books. The other day my boyfriend pointed out that I am always surrounded by books in the morning, and he’s right. For some reason, being surrounded by books makes me feel calm and safe. 

Moving from L.A. to Austin must have been a significant transition, especially for someone with a vast collection of books. What challenges did you face in moving your personal library, and how did you decide which books made the journey with you?  

Moving from L.A. to Austin was a HUGE transition for me not only physically but emotionally. I'm an avid reader but also an obsessive journaler. So not only did I have boxes and boxes of books but I had boxes and boxes of journals, all of which I was unwilling to part with. 

I ended up putting all of my books and journals in my car, literally filling it to the brim, shipped my car to Austin and just flew there. Having my books and journals here with me definitely makes Austin feel more like home now. 

I had a fun time putting my books on display in creative ways in our new apartment. Books are wonderful conversation starters, so I like to have them scattered throughout the house for guests to stumble upon when they are visiting. 

You’ve mentioned that you read 'The War of Art' by Stephen Pressfield at least once a year. What draws you back to this book annually, and how has it influenced your work ethic and creative process as an actor and producer?” 

“The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield should be required reading for every person on the planet, especially artists and entrepreneurs. The book instills a wonderful work ethic and provides the reader tools to push through procrastination. 

Pressfield is a big believer in dedicating time every day to work on your craft, and showing up even when inspiration is nowhere to be found. 

Sometimes as an actor, I’ll get an audition and after reading the script feel like I’m having trouble connecting with the character…. But my work ethic of consistently showing up has given me the skillset to look at certain obstacles as opportunities to grow deeper in my craft. 

I won’t stop working on it until I have found a way through, and “The War of Art” has definitely instilled that kind of work ethic in me. The book isn’t too long and reading a few pages each morning is a great way to start the day. 

Having a background in film and theater and a passion for reading, how do you navigate the relationship between the texts you read and the scripts you bring to life on screen? Are there specific themes or stories from your reading that you're particularly drawn to exploring in your acting projects?”  

I love acting and storytelling for many reasons, one of which is my passion and fascination for why people are the way they are. Dissecting a character and bringing them to life through my own lens is the most invigorating thing. Perhaps that is why I love self-help books so much. 

This genre in particular is all about self-realization and self-improvement. I’ve always been curious as to why people are the way they are… this itch gets scratched in acting and self-help books. My love for poetry is nurtured as I read a lot of scripts and am drawn to those with great dialogue that feels almost poetic at times.

Looking forward, how do you see your reading habits evolving? Are there new genres or themes you're interested in exploring, perhaps influenced by your recent move or ongoing projects? How do books continue to shape your journey both personally and professionally?”  

I would love to start reading more fiction. I feel like with my acting career, I am always in “la la land,” and as a result, when I go to read, I crave something more grounded in reality. 

But I do know I should probably rip the bandaid off and get back into some good fiction. I hope to write a book soon, so I spend the majority of my time writing. However, I always set aside at least 20 minutes each day to read a good book.

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